§ Lord Brockwayasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will reconsider their participation in the NATO military exercise in the Gulf of Mexico in March, in the light of the danger that it may intensify the conflict between nations in Central America and the Caribbean, and prejudice the efforts of the Mexican President to negotiate a settlement.
§ The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Viscount Trenchard)The NATO exercise to which the noble Lord refers, Exercise SAFE PASS 82, was planned some time ago. It has no connection with Central American countries. It is designed to train NATO forces in the protection of Atlantic sea lanes. Our commitment to such exercises is an essential part of our contribution to NATO, as the United Kingdom would play a significant role in ensuring the safe passage of alliance shipping through the Atlantic in time of tension or war.